Editorial : Between fluttering flags and real peace

16 May 2012 11:41 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

All wars that end in victory may provide a platform for peace. Yet the victory alone cannot replace the harmony expected by a war-torn citizenry, whose staple food was gnawing sense of uncertainty.

Every Sri Lankan, irrespective of his/her political and religious ideologies, has a reason to celebrate this victory day and those that will follow. We, as a nation, have tasted death in its crudest forms and seen it metamorphosing itself into human bombs and claymore mines. Hence, the day the military victory was declared over the Tigers was the day we were born again. Thanks to those who faced the ruthless Tigers and marched to death and those who came home with missing limbs, today, we breath, gather and travel in public transport, without the fear of getting blown off on our way home.

Yet, the question remains as to how safe is safe enough. The pageantry, that will boast of the manpower and the arm power of the three forces, cannot sufficiently summarize the three-year-old journey of the post war Sri Lanka. The island nation, in its newly acclaimed status, which is not so new, still has a lot of ground to cover in its march to perpetual peace. The celebration has been all about ending the bloody war; yet, it has failed to reveal as to where the peace begins. It may be all about annihilation of terrorism from the island soil, yet it is not about the elimination of fear.

No doubt, an annual reminder of a war victory that put an end to terror, is important. But, it is equally significant to see that the end was permanent. In a country where a commission after commission is appointed to diagnose the sickness of ethnic disharmony and each commission report is subject to a tug-of-war before being sent to the bin, there arises the fear that the very reason for celebration might go from proud pageantry to a mere historic reference.

Having succumbed to the various international pressures directed at Sri Lanka due to its lackluster attitude towards reconciliation, the victory that is worth the celebration would be the day, every citizen is granted equal rights and made free from segregation. Be they the citizens of the south, or those of the war-ravaged North and East, theirs is an ultimate wish to tune their pulse to a common Sri Lankan heartbeat. Ideally, without igniting sense of nostalgia among people, a wise government should be rendering utmost support its citizenry that still believes and depends on the former’s effort to find a lasting solution.
A dance of the Lion flag might die down when the wind falls low; yet, the flag of peace should flutter forever.

Hence, without indulging in lavish flaunting that doesn’t benefit anyone but themselves, the pageantry-loving, privileged minority should make sure that, the reason for celebration remains intact at least to keep satisfying their vanities.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Editorial : Between fluttering flags and real peace

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand